Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Mission Valley West Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,100 (41 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Mission Valley West area of San Diego.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Alexan Gallerie
Rent Specials
$2,384 - $7,418
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,384 - $7,418

Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Alexan Gallerie

375 Camino De La ReinaSan Diego, CA 92108
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property at 5757 Gaines St

$2,400

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,400

Total Monthly Price
$2,400

1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

5757 Gaines St

San DiegoCA92110
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3970 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

3970 Goldfinch St

3970 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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630 W Washington St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

630 W Washington St

630 W Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
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4077 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

4077 Goldfinch St

4077 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
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4030 Front St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4030 Front St

4030 Front StSan Diego, CA 92103
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Santa Fe Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Fe Villas

3912 Albatross StSan Diego, CA 92103
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Bel Vue Terrace
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Bel Vue Terrace

1336-1348 Brunner StSan Diego, CA 92110
  • Utilities Included
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Nightingale Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Nightingale Apartments

4174 Third AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
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5747 Lauretta
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

5747 Lauretta

5747 Lauretta StSan Diego, CA 92110

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Old Town Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Old Town Apartments

2225-2249 Congress StSan Diego, CA 92110
  • Utilities Included
property at 6416 Friars Rd

$1,995 - $2,895

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

6416 Friars Rd

San DiegoCA92108
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Sasan Apartments
Studio Apartments

Sasan Apartments

901 W Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
property at 1605 Hotel Cir S

$2,050

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,050

Total Monthly Price
$2,050

Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1605 Hotel Cir S, Unit 105, Unit 105

1605 Hotel Cir S
San DiegoCA92108
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2530 Juan St
1 Bedroom Apartments

2530 Juan St

2530 Juan StSan Diego, CA 92110

Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture

From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.

property at 6304 Friars Rd

$2,095 - $2,300

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

6304 Friars Rd

San DiegoCA92108
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4th
1 Bedroom Apartments

4th

3927-3933 4th AveSan Diego, CA 92103
property at 5875 Friars Rd

$2,250

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Apr 27

5875 Friars Rd

San DiegoCA92110
property at 424 W University Ave

$2,300

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,300

Total Monthly Price
$2,300

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

424 W University Ave

San DiegoCA92103
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Westgate Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Westgate Apartments

6650 Linda Vista RdSan Diego, CA 92111
  • Utilities Included

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

property at 5895 Friars Rd

$2,395 - $3,250

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

5895 Friars Rd

San DiegoCA92110

Mission Valley West, San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Mission Valley West Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Mission Valley West area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Hilltop Terrace priced from $1,748. Gaines Street Apartment has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,000. Here are the most affordable Mission Valley West apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Hilltop TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$1,748
Gaines Street Apartment1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$2,000
CentrePointePlan SAStudio,1BA$2,029
University Crest Apartments | Hillcrest/Mission Hills – Modern Living1BD/1BA1BR,1BA$2,142
4th1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,195
Arbor Crest on FourthStudioStudio,1BA$2,198
4th Avenue ApartmentsLayout B1BR,1BA$2,297
Alexan GallerieA1A1 Jr 1x11BR,1BA$2,391
402 Arbor Dr2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$2,395

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Mission Valley West, CA

As of April 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the Mission Valley West area is the $3.39 price per square foot 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome Model at The Margo in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $6,261. The second greatest value Mission Valley West apartment is the LOFT PLAN 6 Model at Mission Hills Apartments starting at $3,735 with a $2.64 price per square foot in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Mission Valley West apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Margo3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome3BR,2BA$3.39
Mission Hills ApartmentsLOFT PLAN 6Studio ,1BA$2.64
Fashion Terrace Apartment HomesBrentwood2BR,2BA$2.99
University Crest Apartments | Hillcrest/Mission Hills – Modern Living2BD/2BA2BR,2BA$3.30
Montecito Point2 Bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$3.12
Gaines Street Apartment2BR/1BA2BR,1BA$3.20
Griffis Mission ValleyMission Platinum1BR,1BA$3.69
402 Arbor Dr2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$3.42
4175 4th Ave, Unit 4175 half4175 4th Ave1BR,1BA$2.80
4th Avenue ApartmentsLayout B1BR,1BA$3.59

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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The Student Renter's Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood to Rent

Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in San Diego, CA | Find San Diego Off-Campus Student Housing

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Mission Valley West, San Diego, CA

Ranked #36

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Lifestyle Ratings

This website is happy to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in cities across the United States including Mission Valley West, San Diego, and the greater San Diego area. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including filtering automatically for the best outdoor access, luxury housing options, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, apartment complexes for the kids, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Mission Valley West Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Mission Valley West?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Mission Valley West is under $2,395.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Mission Valley West?

The cheapest apartment in Mission Valley West is Gaines Street Apartment which is listed at $2,000, while the average apartment in Mission Valley West costs $12,348.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Mission Valley West?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 4 regular apartments in Mission Valley West that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Mission Valley West?

Cheap apartments in Mission Valley West have an average cost of $293 which is $12,055 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Mission Valley West.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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